Dual mode image sensor and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A dual mode image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes an on-chip sensing array, on-chip analog-to-digital converters, and an on-chip processor. The sensor array has rows and columns of discrete sensor elements. The dual mode image sensor has a scene sensing mode and an image capture mode, which use the same set of imaging optics. The processor includes a dual context register; one being for the scene sensing mode and the other for image capture mode. The scene sensing mode is configured to output results of object sensing, motion detection, focus evaluation and illumination measurement to the analog-to-digital converters. The image capture mode is configured to output captured images to the analog-to-digital converters, which are configured to send the digital data to the processor. The processor is configured to switch from scene sensing mode to image capture mode based upon the scene sensing mode output results.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to imaging sensors, and in particular a dual mode image sensor in which both modes use a common set of imaging optics.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking imaging systems, including digital cameras, require separate sensors to scene sensing, IR motion sensing, ultrasonic distance sensing, focus sensing, and dedicated focusing pixels. These separate sensors provide information on object detection, and motion sensing, focusing evaluation, exposure measuring and others. These separate sensors are using separate optics for each function. This increases system size and also introduces residual error between imaging optics and sensing optics.

Some sensors use on-chip focusing pixels (focus detection pixels) to provide focusing information, such as phase detecting auto-focusing pixel in cell phone applications, while a majority of similar cameras use image analysis to evaluation focusing. The phase-detecting focusing pixels use of the image areas on the sensor array to achieve higher focusing speed, while image analysis focusing can have true full resolution with relatively slower focusing.

Therefore, a need exists for an imaging sensor with single imaging optics, which can provide all the functions required by the imaging system.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces a dual mode image sensor having controls for exposure, gain, clock, frame rate, subsampling and binning.

In an exemplary embodiment, the dual mode image sensor includes a set of imaging optics, a sensing array on a chip, analog-to-digital converters on the chip to convert analog values into digital data, and a processor on the chip to process the digital data. The sensor array has rows and columns of discrete sensor elements. The sensor array is configured to receive light through the imaging optics. The processor is provided with dual context registers. The dual mode image sensor has a scene sensing mode and an image capture mode. The scene sensing mode and the image capture mode use the set of imaging optics. Of the dual context registers, one register is for the scene sensing mode, and the second register is for the image capture mode. The scene sensing mode is configured to output results of object sensing, motion detection, focus evaluation, and illumination measurement to the analog-to-digital converters. The image capture mode is configured to output captured images to the analog-to-digital converters. The analog-to-digital converters are configured to send the digital data to the processor. The processor is configured to switch from scene sensing mode to image capture mode based upon the digital data from the analog-to-digital converters about the output results in the scene sensing mode.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dual mode image sensor, the scene sensing mode has a sensor configuration for scanning using the sensor array for line scanning or zone scanning. The line scanning may be single-line, multi-line, or separated multi-line scanning. The zone scanning may be single zone or multi-zone scanning.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dual mode image sensor, the image capture mode uses full resolution of the sensor array to provide image data.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dual mode image sensor, the scene sensing mode is under low clock frequency.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dual mode image sensor, the processor provides scene analysis and remaps results based upon digital data from the scene sensing mode to a sensor output.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dual mode image sensor, the processor is configured to operate the dual image sensor in a power saving mode based upon the digital data from the analog-to-digital converters about the output results in the scene sensing mode indicating no motion being sensed.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dual mode image sensor, the imaging optics are provided with infrared illumination filters. The processor is configured to activate the infrared illumination filters based upon the digital data from the analog-to-digital converters about the output results in the scene sensing mode indicating low light conditions.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dual mode image sensor, the processor is provided with further registers for storing sensing inputs and outputs. The processor is also provided with inter-integrated circuits. The further registers are accessible with the inter-integrated circuits.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dual mode image sensor, the processor is provided with object detection to determine differences between output frames from the digital data. The processor is further provided with object speed vector algorithms to correlate differences between output frames from the digital data for motion detection. The processor is configured to switch from scene sensing mode to image capture mode based upon object detection and motion detection.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the dual mode image sensor is further comprised of output pins. The output pins are electrically connected to an output of the processor. The output pins are configured by the processor for output image data, pixel clock, horizontal sync, and vertical sync based upon the dual mode image sensor being in image capture mode. The output pins are configured by the processor for average scene illumination level, x and y motion speed, and focusing signal based upon the dual mode image sensor being in scene sensing mode.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dual mode image sensor, the image capture mode and the scene sensing mode operate simultaneously. The processor is configured to analyze scene sensing data. The processor is further configured to control gain, exposure, zoom, autofocus, and image processing corrections based upon the scene sensing data to improve the image capture mode data.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dual mode image sensor, the processor is provided with additional registers to store the scene sensing data. The processor is also provided with inter-integrated circuits. The inter-integrated circuits are provided with access to the registers storing scene sensing data. The scene sensing data is accessible to a user of the dual mode image sensor. The scene sensing data is accessible to the user having it appended to image data files and to video data streams available as outputs.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dual mode image sensor, the image capture mode and the scene sensing mode operate alternately. The scene sensing mode operates for a short frame period between long image capture frames. The processor is configured to analyze scene sensing data. The processor is further configured to control gain, exposure, zoom, autofocus, and image processing corrections based upon the scene sensing data to improve the image capture mode data.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a process for using a dual mode image sensor having a single set of imaging optics for an image capture mode and a scene sensing mode.

In an exemplary embodiment of the process, the steps include: initializing the image sensor; providing activating criteria for image capture mode; initializing scene sensing mode; providing data in scene sensing mode on object sensing, motion detection, focus evaluation and illumination measurement; determining if provided data meets activating criteria; triggering image capture mode based upon provided data meeting activating criteria; continuing scene sensing mode based upon provided data not meeting activating criteria; capturing an image; outputting resulting image; analyzing resulting image; determining if image capture should be repeated based upon analysis of resulting image; and repeating the capturing an image step based upon a positive determination in the determining if image capture should be repeated step.

In another exemplary embodiment, the process further comprises the step of re-initializing scene sensing mode after the step of determining if image capture should be repeated based upon a negative determination in the determining if image capture should be repeated step.

In another exemplary embodiment of the process, the step of initializing the sensor is preceded by a step of powering up the dual mode image sensor.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the process, the initializing step is activated by an image motion sensor.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically depicts one embodiment of the layout a dual mode image sensor in accordance to the present invention.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts possible scene sensing mode scanning configurations in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 schematically depicts an exemplary embodiment of the output pin layout of the dual mode sensor in image capture mode.

FIG. 4 schematically depicts an exemplary embodiment of the output pin layout of the dual mode sensor in scene sensing mode.

FIG. 5 schematically depicts an exemplary embodiment of the workflow of the dual mode sensor of the present invention.

FIG. 6 schematically expands the processor of FIG. 5 to depict an exemplary embodiment of the workflow in the processor of the dual mode sensor of the present invention.

FIG. 7 schematically expands the analysis section of the processor of FIG. 6 to depict an exemplary embodiment of the workflow of the analysis in the processor of the dual mode sensor of the present invention.

FIG. 8 schematically depicts an exemplary embodiment of the process of a dual mode image sensor in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention embraces a dual mode image sensor. FIG. 1 illustrates the layout of an exemplary embodiment of the dual mode image sensor (10) in accordance with the invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the dual mode image sensor (10) is provided with a sensor array (20), an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter module, timing module (24), an analog signal processing module (26), a digital logic module (28), a processor (50), and output pins (30). The digital logic (28) includes interface, timing, processing, and output functions. The timing module (24) includes timing and clock controls, as well as exposure, frame rate, subsampling and binning controls. The sensing array (20) uses a set of imaging optics (not shown) above the pixel or sensing array (20). All of the hereinbefore components are on the same chip (21). The sensing array (20) has rows and columns of discrete sensor elements (not shown) as is known in the art. The sensor array (20) is configured to receive light through the imaging optics.

The dual mode sensor (10) is provided with a scene sensing mode and an image capture mode, which will be discussed in more detail in conjunction with other figures. The scene sensing mode and the image capture mode use the set of imaging optics; that is the same set of imaging optics.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the sensor array (20) is shown in various configurations for the scene sensing mode. The scene sensing mode has a sensor configuration using the sensor array (20) for either line scanning or zone scanning. Sensor array (20) configurations: single-line scene sensing (20 a), multi-line scene sensing (20 b), and separated multi-line scene sensing (20 c) are line scanning configurations. Single zone scene sensing (20 d) and multi-zone scene sensing (20 e) are zone scanning configurations.

In another exemplary embodiment, the output pins (30) of the dual mode sensor (10) are configured by the processor (50) according to the mode the sensor (10) is operating. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the dual mode sensor (10) is shown with an image capture mode sensor array configured for full resolution (20 f) and with output pins (30). The output pins for image capture mode (30 a) D0-D7 are configured to output image data and pixel clock, horizontal and vertical sync. Referring to FIG. 4, the dual mode sensor (10) is depicted with sensor array configured for multi-zone scene sensing (20 e). The same output pins (30) are configured now by the processor, based on the sensor being in scene sensing mode, to be scene sensing mode output pins (30 b) wherein D0-D7 output average scene illumination levels and the provide pins for x and y motion speed, focusing (distance), and motion sensing output.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the components and operation of the dual mode image sensor (10) will be discussed in detail that is more complete. The sensing array (20) can be configured for image capture mode (20 f) or scene sensing mode (20 g). In an exemplary embodiment, shown by the broken line between image capture mode (20 f) and scene sensing mode (20 g), the sensing array (20) can switch between modes or even have one configuration superimposed on the other as will be discussed hereinafter in further detail. Using the same sensing array (20) simplifies the sensor (10) structure and lowers the cost. In an exemplary embodiment, generally speaking the sensor will operate in scene sensing mode. The output of the sensing array goes to the A/D converter module(s) (22) to convert the analog signals to digital data. In particular, the scene-sensing mode is configured to output results of object sensing, motion detection, focus evaluation, and illumination measurement to the A/D converter (22). When operating in image capture mode, the image capture mode is configured to output captured images to the A/D converter (22). After conversion, the data is sent to the processor (50). The processor is preferably provided with dual context registers, one register for image capture mode (51) and another register for scene sensing mode (52). The dual context registers (51 and 52) provide a very fast memory in the processor (50) to speed up operations and decisions by providing quick access to information and programs used in each respective mode.

The processor (50) is configured for various functions. First, the processor (50) is configured to switch from scene sensing mode to image capture mode (depicted by the decision box (70) based upon data from the A/D converters about the output results when the dual mode image sensor (10) is in scene sensing mode. The processor (50) also is configured to send control information to the outputs (30) and sensor array (20) for better image capture. These configurations of the processor (50) can be seen more clearly by referring to FIG. 6, which is a work flow chart of the processor (50). The processor (50) takes in the digital data from the A/D converter (not shown in this Figure). The processor (50) does an analysis (60) of scene sensing data with information from the scene sensing register (52). From the analysis (60), several outputs are possible. For example, the decision (70) to switch to image capture mode or to remain in scene sensing mode is done, based on data from scene sensing mode. This analysis will be illustrated more fully hereinafter. Further, the analysis (60) process determines control information (80) for further controlling the gain, focus, illumination, zoom, and exposure-based data from the A/D converter. From this image correction (84) can be made. The control information (80) is sent to the outputs (30) and so the sensing array (20) may capture data with best settings. Image correction information (84) and best settings of control information (80) may also be sent to the image capture register (51).

In another exemplary embodiment, the processor (50) may be further provided with additional registers (53) to store the scene sensing data. The processor (50) is also provided with inter-integrated circuits (I2C) (54), the I2C (54) being provided with access to the registers storing scene sensing data. The scene sensing data is accessible to a user of the dual mode image sensor. This is accomplished by appending image data files and/or video streams available as outputs with scene sensing data provided by the I2C (54).

Referring now to FIG. 7, the analysis (60) process of the processor (50) shown in FIG. 6, is illustrated in more detail. In an exemplary embodiment, the decision (70) to remain in scene sensing mode or to switch to image capture mode is shown. The processor analyzes differences between subsequent frames (71) from the scene sensing data. The result of this analysis is subjected to a decision box (72). If an object is detected then the sensor array is instructed (75) to switch to image capture mode. If no object is detected, the sensor array is instructed (76) to remain in scene sensing mode. If an object is detected, the decision box (72) also passes this information to further analysis to correlate between frames (73) to determine if the object is moving, at what speed, and direction. For example, motion and object speed and vector calculation can be accomplished. A decision box (74) shows the results of these determinations. If motion is detected, the sensor array is instructed (75) to be in image capture mode. If no motion is detected, the sensor array may be instructed (76) to remain in scene sensing mode. Further, the correlation between frames information (73) is sent to sensor outputs to control information (80). The analysis (60) is comprised of analyzing the data for control information (80). The analysis (60) may for example include frequency analysis for focus evaluation (81), illumination analysis based on distance sensing results (82), and histogram calculation for exposure and gain control (83). This control information (80) as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 6, has various destinations (85), for example, to outputs for sensing array automatic adjustments, to registers for best setting information or to be appended as image data available to a user, or for further analysis. For example, further analysis may entail modulating with pulse width modulation (PWM) object and motion detection results and sending results for mapping horizontal and vertical sync output pins.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dual mode image sensor the image capture mode and the scene sensing mode operate simultaneously. In this embodiment, the processor is configured to analyze scene sensing data. The processor is further configured to control gain, exposure, zoom, autofocus, and image processing corrections based upon the scene sensing data to improve the image capture mode data. In referring to FIG. 6, the image corrections are designated (84). In the image capture mode, subsampling, windowing/zoning, binning, are also available for specific applications. The windowing/zoning or even line scans in image capture mode can also be the end results of the scene sensing decision. For example, to chase and record an intruder, the required image to record can be only a small sub-window of the entire image frame to save storage memory. The selection of the sub-window is determined based on the results of the object sensor and motion detection.

In another exemplary embodiment of the dual mode image sensor, the image capture mode and the scene sensing mode operate alternately. The scene sensing mode operates for a short frame period between long image capture frames. The processor is configured to analyze scene sensing data as discussed hereinbefore. The processor is further configured to control gain, exposure, zoom, autofocus, and image processing corrections based upon the scene sensing data to improve the image capture mode data. For example, it is possible to “superimpose” the scene sensor array over the image capture array by implanting dedicated sensing pixels in the image capture sensor array with minimum impact to the image quality, i.e. with limited “dithering”.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a process for using a dual mode image sensor having a single set of imaging optics for an image capture mode and a scene-sensing mode. Referring now to FIG. 8, in an exemplary embodiment, the process (100) is comprised of the steps of: (104) initializing the image sensor; (106) providing activating criteria for image capture mode; (108) initializing scene sensing mode; (110) providing data in scene sensing mode on object sensing, motion detection, focus evaluation and illumination measurement; (112) determining if provided data meets activating criteria; (114) triggering image capture mode based upon provided data meeting activating criteria; (116) continuing scene sensing mode based upon provided data not meeting activating criteria; (118) capturing an image; (120) outputting resulting image; (122) analyzing resulting image; (124) determining if image capture should be repeated based upon analysis of resulting image; and (126) repeating the capturing an image step based upon a positive determination in the determining if image capture should be repeated step. The process (100) is conveniently accomplished using the dual mode image sensor depicted and described hereinabove in conjunction with FIGS. 1-7.

In another exemplary embodiment, the process (100) also includes the step of (128) re-initializing scene sensing mode after the step of (124) determining if image capture should be repeated based upon a negative determination in the (124) determining if image capture should be repeated step.

In another exemplary embodiment of the process (100), the step of (104) initializing the sensor is preceded by a step of (102) powering up the dual mode image sensor. The (102) initializing step may be activated for example by an image motion sensor.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A dual mode image sensor having controls for exposure, gain, clock, frame rate, subsampling and binning, comprising: a set of imaging optics; a sensing array on a chip, the sensor array having rows and columns of discrete sensor elements, the sensor array configured to receive light through the imaging optics; a scene sensing mode; an image capture mode; the scene sensing mode and the image capture mode using the set of imaging optics; analog-to-digital converters on the chip to convert analog values into digital data; a processor on the chip to process the digital data, the processor having dual context registers, one register for the scene sensing mode, and the second register for the image capture mode; the scene sensing mode being configured to output results of object sensing, motion detection, focus evaluation and illumination measurement to the analog-to-digital converters; the image capture mode configured to output captured images to the analog-to-digital converters; the analog-to-digital converters being configured to send the digital data to the processor; and the processor being configured to switch from the scene sensing mode to the image capture mode based upon the digital data from the analog-to-digital converters about the output results in the scene sensing mode.
 2. The dual mode image sensor of claim 1, wherein the scene sensing mode has a sensor configuration for scanning using the sensor array selected from line scanning and zone scanning.
 3. The dual mode image sensor of claim 2, wherein the sensor configuration of line scanning is selected from single line, multi-line, and separated multi-line scanning.
 4. The dual mode image sensor of claim 2, wherein the sensor configuration of zone scanning is selected from single zone and multi-zone scanning.
 5. The dual mode image sensor of claim 1, wherein the image capture mode uses full resolution of the sensor array to provide image data.
 6. The dual mode image sensor of claim 1, wherein the scene sensing mode is under low clock frequency.
 7. The dual mode image sensor of claim 1, wherein the processor provides scene analysis and remap results based upon digital data from the scene sensing mode to a sensor output.
 8. The dual mode image sensor of claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to operate the dual image sensor in a power saving mode based upon the digital data from the analog-to-digital converters about the output results in the scene sensing mode indicating no motion being sensed.
 9. The dual mode image sensor of claim 1, wherein the imaging optics are provided with infrared illumination filters; and wherein the processor is configured to activate the infrared illumination filters based upon the digital data from the analog-to-digital converters about the output results in the scene sensing mode indicating low light conditions.
 10. The dual mode image sensor of claim 1, wherein the processor is provided with further registers for storing sensing inputs and outputs; and wherein the processor is provided with inter-integrated circuits; the further registers being accessible with the inter-integrated circuits.
 11. The dual mode image sensor of claim 1, wherein the processor is provided with object detection to determine differences between output frames from the digital data; and wherein the processor is provided with object speed vector algorithms to correlate differences between output frames from the digital data for motion detection; and wherein the processor is configured to switch from scene sensing mode to image capture mode based upon object detection and motion detection.
 12. The dual mode image sensor of claim 1, further comprising output pins, the output pins being electrically connected to an output of the processor; the output pins being configured by the processor for output image data, pixel clock, horizontal sync and vertical sync based upon the dual mode image sensor being in image capture mode; and the output pins being configured by the processor for average scene illumination level, x and y motion speed, and focusing signal based upon the dual mode image sensor being in scene sensing mode.
 13. The dual mode image sensor of claim 12, wherein the image capture mode and the scene sensing mode operate simultaneously; the processor being configured to analyze scene sensing data; the processor further configured to control gain, exposure, zoom, autofocus, and image processing corrections based upon the scene sensing data to improve the image capture mode data.
 14. The dual mode image sensor of claim 13, wherein the processor is provided with additional registers to store the scene sensing data; and wherein, the processor is provided with inter-integrated circuits, the inter-integrated circuits being provided with access to the registers storing scene sensing data; and wherein scene sensing data is accessible to a user of the dual mode image sensor.
 15. The dual mode image sensor of claim 14, wherein the scene sensing data is appended to image data files and to video data streams available as outputs of the dual mode image sensor.
 16. The dual mode image sensor of claim 12, wherein the image capture mode and the scene sensing mode operate alternately; the scene sensing mode operating for a short frame period between long image capture frames; the processor being configured to analyze scene sensing data; the processor further configured to control gain, exposure, zoom, autofocus, and image processing corrections based upon the scene sensing data to improve the image capture mode data.
 17. A process for using a dual mode image sensor having a single set of imaging optics for an image capture mode and a scene sensing mode, comprising the steps of: initializing the image sensor, the image sensor comprising a sensing array on a chip, the sensor array having rows and columns of discrete sensor elements, the sensor array configured to receive light through the imaging optics; providing activating criteria for image capture mode; initializing the scene sensing mode, the scene sensing mode using the set of imaging optics; providing data in the scene sensing mode on object sensing, motion detection, focus evaluation and illumination measurement, the providing step comprising outputting results of object sensing, motion detection, focus evaluation and illumination measurement to analog-to-digital converters, the analog-to-digital converters converting analog values into digital data provided to a processor; determining, by the processor, if the provided data meets the activating criteria; triggering, by the processor, a switch from the scene sensing mode to the image capture mode based upon the provided data meeting the activating criteria; continuing, by the processor, the scene sensing mode based upon the provided data not meeting the activating criteria; capturing, by the image sensor in the image capture mode, an image, the image capture mode using the set of imaging optics; outputting, by the image sensor, an image resulting from the capturing step, the outputting step comprising providing analog values representing the resulting image to the analog-to-digital converters, and the analog-to-digital converters converting the analog values representing the resulting image into digital data representing the resulting image; analyzing, by the processor, the digital data representing the resulting image; determining, by the processor, if image capture should be repeated based upon analysis of the digital data representing the resulting image; and repeating the capturing an image step based upon a positive determination in the determining if image capture should be repeated step.
 18. The process of claim 17, further comprising the step of re-initializing scene sensing mode after the step of determining if image capture should be repeated based upon a negative determination in the determining if image capture should be repeated step.
 19. The process of claim 17, wherein the step of initializing the sensor is preceded by a step of powering up the dual mode image sensor.
 20. The process of claim 17, wherein the initializing step is activated by an image motion sensor. 